Charity praises Leitrim's 'incredible' donations as Christmas shoebox appeal continues
Leitrim people urged to donate Christmas shoe box gifts for children in poverty as charity closes in on it’s three-millionth Christmas shoebox milestone.
Locals in Leitrim have donated 4,481 Christmas shoebox gifts for children affected by poverty over the last three years, according to the Team Hope charity, which is once again appealing for donations ahead of Christmas.
Since 2010, Team Hope has delivered over 2.8million shoebox gifts from Ireland to countries across Africa and Eastern Europe, and will ship off its three-millionth in the coming weeks.
The charity’s figures show that in the last three years, Leitrim donors have created almost 4,500 gifts. There is still time to increase that total with drop-off points open around the county until November 15.
“The support we have received from the people of Leitrim since 2010 has been incredible,” said Team Hope CEO, Deborah Lowry.
“But there’s always a need for more shoeboxes, so it would be great if schools, parents, businesses and community groups across the county can come together for one last push to create their own.
Shoe boxes are boxes filled with personal gifts for children living in poverty. Boxes can be donated across Leitrim at drop-off points at Ballinamore, Mohill, Carrick-on-Shannon, and Manorhamilton.
“They are often packed by children for children and carry not only toys and treats but also the invisible gifts of love and hope,” said Lowry.
“That kindness, travelling across oceans, reminds a child that they are not forgotten – that someone, somewhere cares about them.”
Donors, if they prefer, can choose to send a personalised €25 shoebox online through Team Hope’s website, right up until Christmas Eve.